CRAIG MATELICH

12-29-1955 - 4-10-2025

Dr. Craig C. Matelich, M.D., 69, entered into eternal life on May 10, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, AZ surrounded by his loved ones. He passed away due to a heart infection. Craig was born December 29, 1955, in Anaconda, Montana to Eugene and Helen (Kohn) Matelich.

His family later moved to Missoula, where Craig was shaped by a strong work ethic, his Catholic faith, a love for learning, and a sense of service. A life-changing car accident at age 11 left him hospitalized for six months with severe injuries. Through determination and grace, he recovered and developed the strength that defined him for the rest of his life. Craig had extremely high standards and was the toughest man we have ever known.

Craig attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School. Despite limited physical mobility, he played baseball and wrestled. He earned the rank of Life Scout in Boy Scouts. He sang in the Sentinel High School a cappella choir and graduated with honors in 1974.

Craig earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Utah in 1978 and graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine in the WWAMI program in 1982. During his pediatric residency at the University of Iowa, he met Mary Kuhl at church. They married on July 30, 1983. Together they raised four sons, nurturing their education, faith, and character.

In 1985, Craig and his family settled in Great Falls, MT, where he served as a beloved pediatrician at the Great Falls Clinic. He was active in professional leadership, serving as president of the MT chapter of the Perinatal Association. Later Craig played a key role in establishing the Pediatric Department at Benefis Health System. Craig’s dedication to “his families” spanned 31 years.

Craig lived his Catholic faith quietly but profoundly—through devotion to family, service to others, and encouraging his sons to attend Catholic colleges. He was extremely proud that all four of his sons earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He served many years as volunteer Medical Director for the Boy Scouts and served on the Board of Directors for MT Special Olympics.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Helen; sister Judy; brothers Jim and Don; parents-in-law Merlyn and Violet (Richard) Kuhl; and brothers-in-law Mark and Greg Kuhl.

Craig is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Mary; sons Benjamin, Nathan (Heidi), Joe (Lisa), and Tom; grandchildren Ava, Ethan, Isaac, Eli, Anna and Linden; brothers Geno, Ron (Swithin), and Lewis (Melanie); Kuhl in-laws Luke, John, Jim (Colleen), Carol (Jim Crigger), Margaret, and Joan (Randy Current), and beloved nieces and nephews. 

The Vigil will be June 12 6:00-8:00 pm and the Funeral Mass will be June 13 at 11:00 am, both at Immaculate Conception Church in Polson, MT. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Flathead Lakers, Immaculate Conception Parish, the WWAMI program, or Scouting America-Montana Council—organizations that reflect Craig’s values of faith, service, and lifelong learning. Thank you to the numerous medical professionals who cared for Craig and the countless people who offered prayers and support. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. 

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.